Bass Guitar

• As the bass player, you are the backbone of the rhythm section. It’s imperative that you focus on consistency in your playing. Your number one job is to be tight with the drummer’s kick and snare pattern.

• Don’t play “all over the place,” playing unnecessary extra runs and scales. Focus instead on playing simply, and playing the songs as they were recorded (if there are cool runs and scales in the recording, then by all means play those!).

• Be conscious of moving and getting into the music. It’s important to show energy and passion in our playing.

• Tone is an important part of our sound. Listen closely to the tone of the bass player on the recording. Match the tone as closely as possible, whether it be by using a pedal, or even playing with a pick.

Drums

• Know and be prepared to play all the parts on the recording, including (but not limited to) kick patterns, grooves, and key fills. Be prepared to be flexible with your playing during worship as well.

• Focus on consistency, and be intentional with your playing.

• Be aware of all BPMs to ensure smooth transitions.

• Let your facial expressions and singing show a passion for worship.

• Have lots of energy without playing uncontrollably or overplaying.

Lead Guitar

• Play with finesse. Less is often more- play with confidence and sensitivity to what the part requires.

• Your parts should rise above and cut through the mix. Make sure your tone is conducive to that.

• Unless specified otherwise, learn the parts in the original track. Check the Planning Center Online notes for which part on each song you are expected to play. If you have a question about what to play, or have an idea of something different, check in with the worship leader.

• Know your role for each song. If you are a lead player, play lead. 

• Make a conscious effort to keep your parts solid with the tempo of the song

Acoustic/Rhythm Guitar

• Do NOT underestimate the role of the rhythm player! This role supports the song, fills space, and drives the song.

• When learning/practicing parts, it’s important to replicate the chord “voicing” or play things at certain spots of the fret board to achieve the best sound for that song. Listen to the mp3 file, watch tutorial videos, etc. to help implement those elements of a song.

• A rhythm player should be in sync with both the click and drummer’s patterns. Like a bass player, a rhythm player can make the foundation of a song excellent, or they can make it messy by not locking in with the drummer and click.

Keys

• You are the icing on the cake! The pads and lead lines that a keyboard and piano creates really bring our music to a new level. Pay close attention to the tones of the pads and synths that the keyboard players use on recordings. Tone is crucial for this role! Although we do use tracks/loops to replicate certain synth sounds, the live keyboard continues to remain an essential tool.

• Pads, organs, and other patches may seem simple, but they do wonders when you fill the holes that the rest of the band cannot.

• Get creative with your playing and equipment. Spend time searching out new patches/sounds that would fit well in songs that might not have a defined keyboard part. Check with the worship leader to see if it fits well with the song.

• Don’t overplay! With so many instruments playing at once, keep parts tasteful and limited.

Vocals

• Your voice is your instrument! Similar to all other instruments on the stage, your voice has its own place within a song.

• As soon as you confirm and receive the song list on PCO, check to see if you are leading a song. If so, immediately rehearse with the track to make sure the key is appropriate for your vocal range. Please let the worship pastor know as soon as possible if you need to adjust the key.

• Memorize all lyrics to all songs. The goal is that we don’t need to rely on the confidence monitor, which helps in our engagement of the congregation.

• Sing! Whether you are leading a song or singing backup vocals, make sure you are always singing, even if you’re not singing directly into the mic.

• Pay attention to the timing of the lyrics and where phrases begin and end in relation to the beat/click. Be intentional not only in intonation, but also the cadence or rhythmic pattern in which the melody line follows.

• Watch your pitch. Practice perfecting your intonation. A "pitchy" singer can make the entire vocal team sound out of tune, and is accentuated even more on the livestream. 

• Take control. Many vocalists have either been trained classically or have just let their vibrato develop naturally without learning how to control it. Vibrato is simply a bend in pitch. This can cause big problems on a stage where we have multiple vocalists. When using multiple vocals, each vocalist must align themselves with the other vocalists in regards to: pitch, vibrato, timing, etc. If people deviate from a streamlined sound (even a vibrato tempo), the pitch of the whole song can be thrown off.

• If you are not leading the song, listen to the track’s background vocalists, their parts, and when they sing. Your vocal part is meant to support the leader. This happens through timing and specific parts.

• Engage the congregation through eye contact and body language. Smile, clap, and move. Make motions and gestures BIG! Every movement and facial expression appears less dramatic to the congregation than it feels to you on stage. Become comfortable with being on the platform and leading with confidence and boldness! 

Auxiliary Instruments (strings/brass/etc.)

• Your role is to enhance the worship set by adding spice, beauty, and creativity. Because you play an instrument that is not often seen in modern worship, your instrument brings freshness and beauty in a way that is unexpected!

• Because there are not typically "parts" written for your instrument, you will need to become adept at ad libbing and improvisation.  

• It is not necessary to play on every part of every song. Find space within each song where your instrument can be used, and then play confidently! It is often most effective when you can play between the phrasing of a line in a song. When in doubt, stick with the root note of the chords.